In the meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, held on Tuesday evening on the margins of the UN General Assembly, Dr. Rouhani added “the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the opening of relations with the European Union member countries, especially Norway, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has created the groundwork for growing relations between Iran and the European Union.”
President Rouhani emphasized efforts to increase the volume of economic ties between Tehran and Oslo to the level of existing capacities saying “the new conditions in the post-JCPOA era have created great opportunities for developing relations between the two countries in different sectors of economy, making use of which can benefit the two nations and the region.”
Dr. Rouhani said that EU's support for the deal was welcomed and promising, adding “this agreement is in the interest of the world and shows that international problems can be settled through negotiation.”
Referring to the activities of some European companies in the energy sector of Iran, the president said the Islamic Republic of Iran has defined $ 200 billion of project for the next five years in the energy sector and we are ready for Norwegian companies to take advantage of this opportunity.
Economic relations with Norway will develop in all economic fields, Dr. Rouhani said, emphasizing the need for the development of banking relations between the two countries, saying “development of Tehran-Oslo relations will form a solid foundation for accelerating economic relations between the two countries.”
Referring to the developments in the region, the president described terrorism as the root of many of the problems in the region, adding “terrorism is a universal, widespread problem and its eradication requires a serious global resolve.”
The President added “today, terrorists have been weakened in Iraq and Syria, and we must provide conditions for holding free elections in these countries along with a serious combat against the terrorists so that people of these regions can decide for their own destiny.”
The president also pointed out the situation in Yemen and said “Yemeni people are struggling with many problems, and it is necessary to stop the bombing of Yemen immediately and begin the Yemeni-Yemen talks to resolve the Yemen crisis. We believe that the European Union can also contribute to helping the refugees and politically solving Yemen's problems.”
Dr. Rouhani also went on to described the Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence referendum as very dangerous, saying “this could lead to even a long-term conflict in the region, and nobody would benefit from it, so we should be careful not to let geographical boundaries change, and unity and integrity be preserved in Iraq.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg also welcomed the development of Norway's relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying “Norway is committed to the JCPOA, and reports indicate that Tehran has complied with its obligations, therefore, cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran has been opened in many fields.”
The Prime Minister of Norway also emphasized the need to deepen relations between Tehran and Oslo in various economic sectors, including oil, gas, energy, fisheries and commerce, adding “Norway is determined to take advantage of the opportunities for joint investment in Iran.”
HA/4092179